Few things please the Anna Wintour inside me as much as a smoothly run, and visually appealing, fashion show. Thursday nights Unmentionables lingerie show gave me both. Kudos to the producers, Elizabeth Mollo, Siren Nation, and Mag-Big for turning the back room of the Secret Society into a Valentine’s Day wonderland of vendors like yummy Missionary Chocolates, Betsy & Iya jewelry and StarFlower arrangements. That’s in addition to the bars, runway show and stage set up.

Once the show actually began (on time, might I add), emcee Marissa Sullivan from the Portland’s Pretty style blog introduced a host of talented independent designers that I’m less familiar with. After the showing they put out Thursday though, I’d like to get to know them better. 

R.A.W. lingerie stuck true to their aesthetic using surface design treatments on their teal and ivory lacy bits to create additional interests. 

Under the Root appealed to the naughty secretary crowd with their mix of good girl meets bad girl rompers. One all-black strappy ensemble including bra, panty, and matching garters was adorable enough it seems a shame to wear clothing over it.

Aniela Parys’ pretty corsets dripping with lace are what we call “strictly for show” and then give a knowing wink. Her ability to create exceedingly sexy pieces out of rather demure silhouettes was striking.

Make it Good’s space printed loungewear and comfy T-shirts took realistic loungewear out of this world. (Yup, I went there.)

Eugene based Allihalla takes the high-waisted panty away from granny creating sexy, while still covered, undies for women of all sizes.

Hawthorne’s Mag-Big sells a treasure trove of local designers, but also showed their in-house line of cute, cozy crop tops and soft high-waisted undies for legitimate lounging around the house time.

Corset Connection revived the inner high school thespian in me with Old West showgirls costumes that might not be for every day, but can really spice up a game of Oregon Trail.

Finally, Lille Boutique, our city’s lingerie darling for carrying international small, curated lines sent out beautifully patterned bras, panties and pajamas in satins and silks that might be dangerous as you’ll want to show them off.

All in all, an impressive display of some newer talent on the scene. And an excellent reminder that our local fashion scene doesn’t begin and end with any one genre, but is an eclectic mix covering a broad spectrum…much like our beloved Portland.